Summer Monday Cocktails

We're offering summer cocktail recipes today.

The French 75

The French 75 should be familiar to all the Penn State alumni reading this, as for a long time is was the signature drink at Cafe 210 West.

Ingredients

1 lemon
3 tablespoons (1 1/2 ounces) gin
1 1/2 tablespoons (3/4 ounce) fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon (1/2 ounce) simple syrup
1 cup ice cubes
1/4 cup (2 ounces) dry sparkling wine, such as brut Champagne (consider Duc de Romet), chilled



Preparation

Using zester or paring knife, slice peel from lemon in long, thin spiral. Reserve lemon for another use and set peel aside.

In cocktail shaker, combine gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Add ice and shake vigorously for 20 seconds. Strain into chilled Champagne flute and top with sparkling wine.

Curl lemon peel around finger to create twist at least 6 inches long. Garnish drink with twist and serve immediately.

The Sidecar

The Sidecar is a classic cocktail that's as fresh as today.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons superfine sugar
1 lemon wedge
1 1/2 ounces Hennessy Cognac
1 ounce Cointreau
1/2 ounce fresh lemon juice
1 cup ice




Preparation

Spread superfine sugar on small plate. Rub lemon wedge halfway around rim of chilled martini or coupe glass. Dip moistened side of glass in sugar to lightly coat outside rim of glass. Set aside.

In cocktail shaker, combine Cognac, Cointreau, and lemon juice. Add ice and shake vigorously until well chilled, about 30 seconds. Strain into prepared martini or coupe glass and serve.

The Negroni

June 2-8 week was officially Negroni week, so let's get caught up on the celebration.

Ingredients

1 ounce M & R Sweet Vermouth
1 ounce Campari
1 ounce Hendricks gin
1 cup ice cubes
1 navel orange peel twist


Preparation

In chilled cocktail shaker or pint glass, stir together vermouth, Campari, gin, and ice until well combined. Strain into martini glass and garnish with orange twist. 

Cheers!